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What sushi can I eat while breastfeeding?

Sushi and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
For many new mothers, the craving for sushi can be intense after months of dietary restrictions during pregnancy. The good news is that sushi can be enjoyed while breastfeeding, but there are important considerations to keep in mind to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy.
Safety Considerations
Mercury Levels: One of the primary concerns when consuming sushi while breastfeeding is the mercury content in certain fish. High-mercury fish, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, should be avoided as they can potentially affect your breast milk and, consequently, your baby. Instead, opt for sushi made with lower-mercury fish like salmon, shrimp, or tilapia, which are generally considered safe and can even provide health benefits for both mother and child.
Raw vs. Cooked Fish: While raw fish is often a staple in sushi, breastfeeding mothers are advised to be cautious. Although pathogens from raw fish do not pass through breast milk, the risk of mercury exposure remains a concern. Therefore, choosing sushi that features cooked fish or vegetarian options can be a safer alternative. Cooked sushi, such as eel (unagi) or tempura rolls, can satisfy cravings without the associated risks of raw fish.
Choosing the Right Sushi
Reputable Sources: When indulging in sushi, it’s crucial to select a reputable restaurant that adheres to strict food safety and hygiene standards. This ensures that the fish is fresh and sourced responsibly. If you’re unsure about the origin of the fish, don’t hesitate to ask the restaurant staff for more information.
Vegetarian Options: For those who prefer to avoid fish altogether, sushi rolls filled with vegetables, avocado, or tofu can be delicious and nutritious alternatives. These options not only eliminate the risk of mercury exposure but also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals beneficial for breastfeeding mothers.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can enjoy sushi, but with careful consideration of the types of fish consumed. By avoiding high-mercury fish, opting for cooked varieties, and choosing sushi from reputable sources, mothers can safely indulge in this culinary delight while ensuring the health of their little ones. So go ahead, savor that sushi roll—just make sure it’s a safe choice!

What foods lower breast milk supply?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

  • Alcohol.
  • Sage, Parsley, and Peppermint.
  • Chasteberry.
  • Pseudoephedrine, Methylergonovine, and Bromocriptine.

Can I eat raw ahi tuna while breastfeeding?

Uh, it’s totally fine. Done it a bunch — it’s not like not eating tuna while pregnant (that I avoided). My doctor AND lactation specialists all said it’s totally fine in moderation!

Can I have a California roll while pregnant?

Most experts agree that sushi without raw fish is safe during pregnancy, as long as it’s prepared in a sanitary environment. That means veggie rolls, California rolls, and shrimp tempura rolls get the green light. In general, fish is considered a very healthy option during pregnancy.

What kind of sushi is ok for pregnancy?

Pregnant women should avoid sushi made with raw fish due to the risk of foodborne illness. Cooked, low-mercury sushi (like eel or shrimp), vegetarian sushi (like rolls made with avocado or cucumber), and California rolls are okay.

What sushi is low in mercury?

Sushi with Lower Levels of Mercury

  • Akagai (ark shell)
  • Anago (conger eel)
  • Aoyagi (round clam)
  • Awabi (abalone)
  • Ayu (sweetfish)
  • Ebi (shrimp)
  • Hamaguri (clam)
  • Hamo (pike conger; sea eel)

What fish to avoid while breastfeeding?

You’ll want to avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as king mackerel, shark, swordfish, orange roughy, tilefish, and marlin. When you do eat fish, the safest choices are salmon, tilapia, cod, catfish, flounder, herring, and pollock.

What foods should be avoided while breastfeeding?

What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding

  • 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
  • 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
  • 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
  • 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
  • 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
  • 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.

Can breastfeeding moms eat sushi?

Spicy foods, beans, broccoli, garlic, sushi and other fish are all fine to eat while breastfeeding.

Why can’t I eat tuna while breastfeeding?

Avoid: High-Mercury Fish
One food that you absolutely want to steer clear of while breastfeeding is fish high in mercury like tuna, swordfish and mackerel. Even in small amounts, mercury toxins can pass through breast milk to your baby and affect their brain and nervous system.

What sushi rolls are cooked?

Special Cooked Rolls

  • Banzai- Spider Roll. Lightly fried soft shell crab, crab meat, cucumber, avocado, radish sprout, and kobo inside; smelt roe on top.
  • Dragon Roll.
  • Shrimp Killer Roll.
  • Caterpillar Roll.
  • Snow Cone Roll.
  • Volcano Roll.
  • Spicy Baked Salmon Roll.
  • Shrimp Tempura Roll.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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